Ramsey Island

Ramsey Island is about 1km off the coast of the St David's peninsula in Pembrokeshire. It is less than 2 miles (3.2 km) long and its highest point is 446ft (136 metres) above sea level. It is the third largest island in Wales, after Anglesey and Holy Island. Other than the warden and his wife it is uninhabited.

It is owned and managed by the RSPB, having spectacular sea bird cliffs, coastal scenery and heathland. It also has the most important Grey Seal breeding colony in southern Britain with around 400 white coated pups being born on every shingle beach during the autumn (September-October).

It is one of the best sites in Wales to see Choughs as they breed on the island.

Other breeding bird species include Ravens, Common Buzzards, Peregrines, Northern Wheatears, gulls, auks, Kitiwakes, Lapwings, Manx Shearwaters and Guillemots.

It also has a herd of Red Deer that were introduced around 30 years ago. They are 20% heavier than those on the mainland as they are not having to compete with others for food.

You can only visit the island by boat and the tourist boats sail to and around the island, 7 days a week, from Easter to the end of October leaving from St Justinian's RNLI lifeboat station on the mainland. A maximum of 40 visitors only are allowed on the island each day.

On a visit you can walk among the coastal heathland and enjoy both the wildlife and spectacular views. It is awash with colour from May to September starting off with bluebells, then pink thrift and purple heather on the cliffs at the height of summer.

Location: Ramsey Island, nr St Davids, Pembrokeshire Grid Reference: SM706237 Ceremonial County: Pembrokeshire Map Link: Multimap Aerial photo: Getting there: By boat from St Justinian's RNLI lifeboat station at St David's on the mainland Access: Only 40 visitors allowed on each day Website: Own Other Useful Websites:  RSPB      Wiki    RSPB Nature Reserve     Boat Trip Email: ramsey.island@rspb.org.uk Address: RSPB Ramsey Island, St Justinians, St Davids, Pembrokeshire Postcode: SA62 6PY Telephone: 07836 535733 (April - October) Opening Times: 1 April or Easter depending on which is earlier to end of October daily 10am-4pm. Charges: Boat Trip to Island - Adults £11; Child £5.50 for all visitors. Landing Fee: RSPB Members FREE, Non-members Adults £4; Child £2 Nearby Locations: Other Location Pages: Notes: No dogs except assistance dogs. It is advisable to take warm waterproof clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Take refreshments with you although light refreshments are available at the farmhouse on Ramsey at set times. There are limited winter sailings.

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